Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Tempe Teacher Receives Excellence in Education Recognition

Congratulations to Jennifer Laurence of Tempe High School for receiving January’s Excellence in Education Award! She was nominated by parent Rhonda Laird who said that although Mrs. Laurence is confined to a wheelchair because of Multiple Sclerosis, “it does not stop her from dealing with the most challenging of students. She conducts her daily life as if she has no disability at all and so the students follow her lead.”

“Mrs. Laurence is always positive and expects the best from herself and her students,” Laird said. “She fiercely defends students with disabilities and models how to stand up for yourself. She keeps in touch weekly with the parents of each of her students so everybody knows what's going on. Many times she has said that the children are her reason for getting up each day. She is a remarkable person and terrific teacher.”

Excellence in Education is a partnership between Rio Salado College and KEZ 99.9 FM, which recognizes Valley teachers. Students and parents of students are encouraged to nominate K-12 teachers who are excellent at their profession and have gone above-and-beyond the call of duty to make a difference in their community.

Each month, a Valley K-12 teacher will be selected from all the entries to be recognized for their outstanding contribution to education. KEZ’s Marty Manning will visit the teacher’s school to surprise them with their “Excellence in Education” Award. The surprise visit will be broadcast during the Beth and Friends Show. All winning teachers are rewarded with $99, an Excellence in Education Award, and a Rio Salado College gift bag.